Nearly 200 members, friends and guests enjoyed a tremendous evening of entertainment on Sunday 24^th March, dining and dancing at Mill Rythe Holiday Village. Following a very enjoyable 3 course dinner, the audience was entertained by the legendary Chris Dean’s Syd Lawrence Orchestra whose Big Band swing music kept dancers on their feet until late into the night. The raffle was very well supported and thanks go to the following for their generous support with prizes:

Chatter Box                                                  Morris Dibben (Estate Agents)

Angels & Fifth Avenue                              Chives

Heidi’s                                                           US Salon

Northney Farm                                           Alan Rae Butchers

Meadow Farm                                             Tibbles Florist

Cleancare Dry Cleaners                           Hugh Hickman                                 

Mengham Newsagents (News Boutique)      Hayling Fruiterers

Despite being a little under subscribed this year, the Committee hope that The Wine, Dine and Dance Cabaret Evening will return as being a regular event in the Club’s fund raising calendar. Thanks must go to Club member Andy Lenaghan and the management and staff of Mill Rythe for very well arranged evening.

Earlier in the month, newly elected Club Chairman, Pat Keane welcomed nearly 50 current and former Club members and their wives and partners to the customary Chairman’s Cocktail Party held at the Langstone Hotel. In his welcoming speech, Pat reiterated the need for the Club to continue moving forward despite the current economic difficulties. The cost of running the Community Bus increases almost on a monthly basis and the aim of buying a replacement in the not too distant future makes it essential that fund raising is kept at its highest level. Pat took the opportunity of thanking member’s wives and partners for their continued and much valued support to the Club.

At the luncheon meeting on Thursday 14^th March, Club members welcomed the president of Hayling Lions President, Jill Sutherland, whose first task was to take a group photograph. Under the supervision of professional photographer Frank Pearce, Jill quickly rose to the challenge although trying to get 25 men to sit still for more than two minutes was an incredible feat. However the results have yet to be viewed! Following lunch, Jill held a question and answer session during which members were given an overview of the Lion’s current activities on Hayling and their aims and ambitions for the future. On behalf of the Club, Chairman Pat Keane thanked Jill for her attendance and for the continued support of the Community Shop in running the Mini Bus.

Please remember that the Club is supporting this year’s Hayling for St George event to be held on Eastoke Plaza on Sunday 21^st April when the newly refurbished and re-liveried Community Bus will be on display with representatives from the Businessmen’s Club on hand to explain the Club’s aims and activities.

The Club’s next important fund raising event is the ever popular Annual Barbeque to be held at Northney Farm on Saturday 13^th July 2013. Full details including ticket outlets will be appearing in forthcoming editions of the Islander.